Pages

8 Tasty Vegan Hotspots in Los Angeles

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

A decade or two ago, vegan cuisine would have raised eyebrows and would not have been prevalent in most restaurants. But today, an entire cuisine culture of its own has scattered itself throughout the world, with high end to street style restaurants focusing on the cuisine, especially in cosmopolitan cities. Here are our top picks in Los Angeles.

Gracias MadreWest Hollywood
Cashew cheese crema? Jackfruit tacos? The finest of Mexican tastes and spices come together in one of the most happening vegan discoveries of this time, complete with a complex and whimsical cocktail menu and a splendid outdoor space and well lit bar. Perfect for people watching and healthy nibbling (without even knowing it!) in West Hollywood.

Plant Food + WineVenice
Designed as a communal gathering spot in a well lit nature's haven on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, acclaimed Chef Matthew McKenney's plant based concept goes slightly high end with literal arts on a plate. Even the wine list is complete with organic and biodynamic varietals.

Seed KitchenVenice
Started by Chef Eric Lechausser and his wife Sanae Suzuki, they have a casual but tasty and upscale menu that is frequented by celebrities who favor the cuisine. The favorite are the burgers made of tempeh, seitan or bean and grain, all fried in rice bran oil.

CrossroadsWest Hollywood
Tal Ronnen, with his celebrity clientele, started up a high end vegan restaurant to cater to all those who swore on meat or wanted to dive into the trend. Complete with white tablecloths and on an enviable spot on Melrose avenue, the dishes are classy and inventive: crab cakes made of vegetables instead, and artichoke oysters, all paired with exotic cocktails and a fun ambiance. The brunch options include everything from bagels to "chicken and waffles" done vegan!

ShojinLittle Tokyo (Downtown LA)
Located inside a mall in Little Tokyo, this is Japanese cuisinse at its coolest, with a menu filled with vegan cartoons. Everything from vegan-mayo to creative uses of quinoa, tofu and tempeh make it easy to be vegan Japanese, especially with organic, macrobiotic sushi with setian, tempura, vegetables and wasabi mayo!

Vegan GloryBeverly Grove (Central LA)
And now, vegan Thai food? A basic and no frills vegan spot with delicious bites and happy flavors of coconut milk, spicy papaya and bamboo, this is your go to spot for a healthier and vegan rendition of Thai favorites. It's inside a mini mall with a host of salads and a tasty Thai iced tea to match.

Real Food DailyWest Hollywood, Pasadena
With multiple locations in West Hollywood, Pasadena and even LAX airport (!), this popular staple serves every day dishes done in vegan styles with grains, legumes and veggies, from a lasagne to Mexican tacos to Chinese stir fry. Flavorful and satisfying, it's no surprise that they are expanding.

Cafe GratitudeVenice, Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, Oakwood (Central LA), Newport Beach
Possibly one of the few vegan chains on this list, the collection of organic plant-based restaurants' expansion is a testament to its success. It has a collection of all your favorite superfoods gone gourmet on the menu, from cauliflower to kale chips to an Indian samosa and brussel sprouts or butternut squash, all invented and reinvented in multiple ways.

Did these tickle your fancy? Register for Dot & Pin for more personalized recommendations.